Portugal's Team Focus
Portugal's Conceição Rejects Obligation to Funnel Passes to Ronaldo, Emphasizes Team Play
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After the 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Ronaldo’s limited involvement became a flashpoint, with one report noting he touched the ball only 25 times in the opener—fueling debate over his form and usage.
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The criticism had already been stoked by PSG midfielder João Neves, who—according to one report—said Ronaldo “knows he is no different from the rest of the squad” and is “another player helping the group,” a line that drew heavy online backlash.
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Portugal’s preparation details were also part of the context: Roberto Martínez’s side returned to training on Sunday as they prepared for the Group K match against Uzbekistan in Houston, with Conceição speaking at a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida.
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Conceição also tied his comments to personal background, saying he made his World Cup debut in the Congo draw and that it came 24 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, played for Portugal in the World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Portugal winger Francisco Conceição has flatly rejected the idea that his team is obligated to force the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida on June 21, Conceição said, "We don't feel an obligation to pass to Cristiano just because he is who he is. We choose the pass based on who is best positioned." ESPN reported the comments drew immediate attention from fans online.
The remarks come after Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their Group K opener, in which Ronaldo touched the ball just 25 times — the fewest of any Portuguese starter, according to Yahoo Sports. Portugal now prepare for a must-win match against Uzbekistan in Houston on June 23.
Ronaldo's 25 Touches Spark a Team Loyalty Debate
The debate exploded after the DR Congo draw on June 17. Ronaldo's 25 touches were seen as a sign that the midfield was not serving him. Fans and pundits in Lisbon questioned why Portugal's elite creators were not funneling the ball to the team's all-time top scorer. The hashtag #RespeitaCR7 — "Respect CR7" — trended across Portuguese social media, according to Head Top Topics.
The fire was stoked further by PSG midfielder João Neves, who told reporters that Ronaldo "knows he is no different from the rest of the squad" and is "another player helping the group." Daily Sports reported that those comments triggered a wave of online hate directed at Neves — and later at Conceição when he echoed the sentiment.
Conceição Defends Collective Play, Praises Ronaldo's Work Ethic
Conceição was careful not to dismiss Ronaldo's value. He told reporters that Ronaldo is in the squad "to help, like any other player," while also calling his finishing "world-class." He added that Ronaldo "is the first to work hard in training" and does not want the ball forced to him on a bad play. Yahoo Sports Malaysia noted the comments were a defense of professionalism, not a put-down of the captain.
Manager Roberto Martínez has backed a "collective-first" style since taking charge. His system relies on fluid passing and high pressing — a style that does not always suit a 41-year-old striker who needs the ball delivered to him in the box. The tension between that modern system and Ronaldo's needs has quietly defined Portugal's World Cup build-up.
A Family World Cup Moment Adds Personal Weight
Conceição also gave his debut personal context. The DR Congo draw was his first World Cup appearance — coming exactly 24 years after his father, Sérgio Conceição, played for Portugal at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The winger came off the bench and completed 90% of his passes in a 22-minute cameo, according to FIFA live match data cited by ESPN.
The family link added a layer of meaning to his press conference words. Sérgio Conceição's 2002 Portugal squad was remembered for internal ego clashes that contributed to an early exit. Francisco's message — that no single player is bigger than the team — reads, in that light, as a pointed one.
Houston Match Will Test Whether Balance Can Beat Uzbekistan
Portugal must win in Houston on June 23 to keep firm control of Group K. A draw or loss would complicate their path and reignite calls to build the attack around Ronaldo. Martínez faces a real choice: stick with the fluid system Conceição and Neves are championing, or shift to a more direct style that gives Ronaldo more touches in dangerous areas.
Head Top Topics framed the upcoming match as a "crucial" test for the squad. If Portugal win comfortably, Conceição's "no obligation" message will look like a sign of a confident, mature team. If they struggle to score, the pressure to "force the ball to 7" will return louder than ever — and Martínez will have very little room to deflect it.
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